Governorship slot tears Oyo PDP apart

Intrigues surrounding the quest to win the governorship slot of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State is further tearing the party apart, reports Sunday Oguntola

No one knows where the pendulum will swing. But everyone can confirm the battle for the governorship slot of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be tough and testy. The aspirants who have risen to over 10 at the last count are expected to give themselves a good run. It is expected to be the fiercest primary in the South-West PDP.

The fading influence

This is because of the lingering battles in the Oyo State chapter of the PDP. It all started in 2007 when former governor, Rasheed Ladoja, was impeached by the machinery powered by late Ibadan strongman, Lamidi Adedibu. Ladoja’s deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, stepped in until the fiasco was upturned by the court.

Since then, the party in Oyo State has known no peace. When Alao-Akala returned to the Agodi Government House in 2007, the crisis escalated. Adedibu held on to the structure while Alao-Akala played the good boy. When Adedibu passed on, Alao-Akala naturally became the PDP leader in Oyo.

But the former governor’s leadership left the party further decimated. When it faced election in 2011, Alao-Akala had alienated too many people to win reelection. Once out of office, the PDP continued to suffer blows upon blows. The numerous factions cancelled out themselves. Supporters tore at one another. Party chieftains exchanged fire with fire.

This was the situation when the last congress of the party held in March 2012.

Two executive councils emerged and are laying claims to the party’s affairs in the state. But the national secretariat of the party recognises the faction led by Yinka Taiwo, which was produced at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (former Liberty Stadium), the officially designated congress venue.

The sterling performances of Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has left the party with little or no sympathies. Oyo indigenes freely compared what exists with the mess that used to be under the watch of the PDP. The multiple infrastructural transformations in the state shocked many and attracted more disdain for the PDP.

But despite the PDP’s fading influence in Oyo State, the party is still attracting many aspirants. No fewer than 10 persons have indicated interest in flying the party’s ticket in 2015.

Of the lot, some are considered heavyweights while others are simply dismissed as appointment seekers. Sources said Arapaja is not so keen on the governorship slot as he is enjoying his ambassadorial role in Jordan. He is believed to be working hand-in-hand in Akinjide’s faction and is willing to concede the slot to her provided certain conditions are fulfilled.

Some, like Adejo and Oyelese, are seen as stalwarts who should not be vying for elections but supporting younger aspirants. This, in a way, effectively leaves the tussle to Alao-Akala, Akinjide, Folarin, Babalola, Makinde, Adejumo, Adedoja and Gbolarumi.

Alao-Akala:

The former governor is blessed with heavy financial war-chest and a large followership in Ogbomosho and some parts of Oke-Ogun axis of the state. His many road projects in Oke-Ogun have endeared him to the indigenes, who believe he was the first governor to open up the area. His Oyato political structure remains well-oiled and eager to roll out.

But many in the party have not forgiven him for slighting them as governor. His troubles with prominent traditional rulers in the state as governor also remain a big political liability. The ongoing N11.5 billion fraud case against him is another baggage that could work against him.

Whether or not Akala could seize control of the party again to win the governorship slot remains dicey. He is, however, the only aspirant outside the Ibadan axis, a development that could sway sentiments in his favour.

Akinjide:

The minister’s profile has been rising since she rose to political notice on the strength of her father, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic.

Sources said she has succeeded in building a strong structure that has become dominant in the state chapter. This structure, it was gathered, is well-funded and expanding in scope. But she has a formidable foe in Alao-Akala with whom she is not on good terms. Besides, analysts wonder if a conservative state as Oyo is ready to have a female governor.

Outside Ibadan, PDP chieftains said she is not popular at all. Besides, she is seen as an aristocrat whose ability to relate with the grassroots is suspect. But she remains a force to reckon with, especially in view of her mending roles in the crisis ravaging the party.

Folarin:

Until he was remanded in prison over the murder of former NURTW leader, Lateef Salako, aka Eleweomo, the former Senate leader was by far the most formidable PDP aspirant in 2011. But things have taken a turn for the worse for Folarin. Though the party’s machinery is in his total control, he has been unable to win the followership of other factions. But he has Adedibu’s structure intact and behind him.

Today, many insiders believe any of these three will clinch the governorship ticket of the PDP but it is believed Ajimobi’s solid performances will make the task of PDP winning the election, a miracle.